CYOF 70: O'Hara's Solo

by Michael Y. Park

on 06/01/13 at 02:58 PM

O'Hara's is run out of what looks like was a turn-of-the-century penny-candy shop, its steam-filled kitchen crammed into what was once the office and storeroom. There are a handful of ancient tables and rickety chairs scattered around the long, thin room that serves as a combination dining room and service area, but the focus of the forty or so people in line when you get there is the antique oak counter, behind which Benny O'Hara can be seen puttering back and forth between the kitchen with large metal bowls and trays laden with offal.

The place is entirely staffed by the O'Hara clan, his sons and grandsons manning the kitchen while his daughter-in-law is the imperious presence taking orders and manning the cashier at the near end of the counter.